Phytodermatoses are skin lesions secondary to prolonged contact with
certain herbs. Many plants have been described responsible for
this type of incident.
Mrs. H., 50 years old, without pathological history, presented at the consultation
for a sharp pain in the face, without any functional sign. The
questioning found the application of a poultice, advised by a neighbor,
containing the "Artemisia
absinthium" to reduce wrinkles crow's feet and glabella.
Dermatological examination revealed a dry and delicate erythema intersting cheeks
and forehead without blistering, corresponding to a first degree
burn. The care provided helped a favorable evolution in few days.
The " Artemisia absinthium ", also called " green fairy " is a perennial plant
with ubiquitous distribution in waste and dry places, on rocky slopes, in roadsides
and fields. It is native to Europe, Northern and Central Asia as well as in North
Africa. Leaves, deeply cut, are silver , oval, embossed, velvety below and
toothed.
Absinthe is gently used in herbal medicine for her virtues tonic , antispasmodic,
antipyretic, anthelmintic, stimulating ... However, this plant may contain toxic
agents (such as thujone , malic acid, alcohol ...) responsible for adverse reactions.
In our case, use for cosmetic purposes has caused redness and sensitivity of
the face, causing a chemical burn of the first degree. There is a phytodermatose
never described to our knowledge.